The role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma in blood pressure regulation

Curr Hypertens Rep. 2009 Aug;11(4):239-45. doi: 10.1007/s11906-009-0041-6.

Abstract

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) is a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. It is expressed in adipocytes, immune cells, and cardiovascular cells that include cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells. PPARgamma plays a role in regulating cellular anti-inflammatory responses and is a mediator of insulin sensitization induced by thiazolidinediones, which also can reduce elevated blood pressure both clinically and experimentally. As a result, research regarding the role of PPARgamma in blood pressure homeostasis is ongoing. Recent studies have demonstrated that increases or decreases in blood pressure phenotype may be PPARgamma-dependent and involve a number of different signaling pathways. Furthermore, studies using PPARgamma mutant transgenic and knockout animal models provide further evidence regarding a role for endothelial-cell and vascular smooth muscle-cell PPARgamma in blood pressure regulation. However, there is a need for further research regarding PPARgamma--mediated mechanisms involved in maintaining physiologic control of blood pressure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipocytes / drug effects
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Benzimidazoles / therapeutic use
  • Benzoates / therapeutic use
  • Blood Pressure*
  • Endothelium / drug effects
  • Hypertension / drug therapy*
  • Models, Animal
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / drug effects
  • Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / drug effects
  • PPAR gamma / drug effects*
  • Telmisartan
  • Thiazolidinediones / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Benzimidazoles
  • Benzoates
  • PPAR gamma
  • Thiazolidinediones
  • Telmisartan